Development of durable antibacterial treated cotton gauze based on carrageenan/CeO2/Co3O4 composite for potential wound dressing applications.

Commercial cotton gauzes are widely used in wound care but suffer from significant drawbacks, such as restricted antibacterial properties, inadequate moisture retention and lack of durability. To address these challenges, we developed an advanced wound dressing by treating cotton gauze with a carrageenan-based matrix infused with CeO2 and Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). The prepared gauzes were characterized using FT-IR, SEM and XRD to confirm the successful integration, uniform dispersion of NPs within the matrix. The synergistic effect between CeO2 and Co3O4 NPs imparted exceptional antibacterial activity, effectively inhibiting common wound pathogens. Furthermore, biocompatibility assessments indicated the gauze's suitability for biomedical applications. The mechanical properties were also assessed. Remarkably, the gauze retained over 50 % of its antibacterial and antioxidant efficacy after 20 washing cycles, highlighting its durability and its potential for repeated use. This multifunctional dressing offers a significant advancement over traditional gauzes, combining enhanced therapeutic performance with sustainable, long-term utility.